Kerala, July 22 - A British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, for over five weeks, was declared airworthy and scheduled to depart for the United Kingdom. The state-of-the-art stealth aircraft, part of the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales carrier fleet, had been grounded since June 14, 2025, following an unexpected series of events that began during a routine sortie over the Indian Ocean. The incident, which drew significant attention due to the advanced nature of the aircraft and its prolonged stay in a foreign country, highlighted both the complexities of modern military technology and the logistical challenges of international operations.
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The F-35B, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and valued at approximately £80 million ($110 million), encountered severe weather roughly 100 nautical miles off India’s coast while operating in the Arabian Sea. Unable to return to the HMS Prince of Wales due to low fuel and adverse conditions, the pilot requested emergency landing clearance at Thiruvananthapuram airport. The jet landed safely at 4 p.m. on June 14, but a subsequent hydraulic failure grounded it, preventing an immediate return to its carrier. This technical snag, described as a significant issue, required specialized expertise and parts, leading to an extended stay at the civilian airport.
Royal Navy engineers initially assessed the aircraft, but early attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful. A 14-member team of UK-based technicians, including experts from Lockheed Martin, was later deployed to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at Thiruvananthapuram airport, where the jet had been towed for protection from the monsoon rains. The repair process was shrouded in secrecy, with the UK High Commission and defense authorities declining to share details, citing the sensitive nature of the F-35B’s advanced avionics and stealth capabilities. The aircraft, designed for short take-off and vertical landing, is equipped with cutting-edge sensors and mission systems, making its security a priority during its stay. Indian Central Industrial Security Force personnel provided round-the-clock protection, while six HMS Prince of Wales crew members worked in shifts to monitor the jet.
The prolonged grounding raised questions about the reliability of such advanced military technology. It sparked discussions in the UK, including in the House of Commons, where concerns were voiced about recovering the jet and safeguarding its classified systems. Options such as dismantling the aircraft and transporting it via a C-17 Globemaster were considered but ultimately deemed unnecessary. On July 21, 2025, an airport official confirmed the jet’s airworthiness, stating it would be moved from the hangar for a Tuesday departure. While the exact departure time and refueling stops en route to London remain undisclosed, the resolution marks a significant achievement for the UK’s repair team. The Ministry of Defense now faces potential parking and hangar charges from Adani Airport Holdings Limited, the airport’s operator, adding a financial dimension to this unusual episode in military aviation.
